A Pesach Problem

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l

Question: With the approach of the Pesach Festival I anticipate a problem which may arise in regard to my observance of the halacha forbidding having chametz in my possession. The Gentile business associate of mine plans to visit my home during the intermediate days of the holiday and to bring along his young child. This youngster will probably be munching on some wafer while he is in my home and thus bring forbidden chametz into my possession. What is the right thing to do?

Answer: There is no need for you to postpone such a visit nor to ask your friend to leave his son's wafer at home. Halacha does not require you to do anything in such a situation because you are not the owner of the chametz even though it is in your home.

What you should do, however, is to politely ask the youngster to avoid leaving behind any uneaten parts of his wafer so that you can avoid being left with them – and make sure to clean up afterwards.

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